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How do I convert an html design web site to CSS template and layout?

Jan 3, 2012 8:49 AM

Tags: #dreamweaver_cs5

Good Morning, All!

How can I convert, apply, or change, efficiently, my html web pages into a CSS template so I don’t have to change each page every time I add something to the main page…also, I currently have two tables (I know, old-fashioned) one which holds my list of contents and links to the different sections (page) with information from the community on the website. The other table holds my text and pictures which I want to update daily. How can I change the format to a 2 column, liquid layout with a masthead area on top for logo and text with a box around it. Time was not available for me to learn all the details of my new Dreamweaver program so I did what I knew and uploaded it with all the boo-boos, inactive links and non-existant pages.

 

Now I have the time to focus and want to get it done better so that it is easy to update with new text and features daily. (I am converting my printed newspaper to an online version after 17 plus years and trying to learn the new Adobe Premium Design Suite CS5 programs. What a trip this is at 61-years-old!

 

My community and readership are looking forward to the web site according to a survey I took. They are very tolerant about my boo-boos while I learn the new software for the web design. I’ve let them know, through my newspaper and personally (I am very active in the community), that online is where I am going and all that I’ve spoken to, or who have sent emails, are very supportive and look forward to getting their news from my web site newspaper.)

 

I am seeking some guidance...I know a little about a lot, but not a lot about anything...even though I've been working with computers since 1983.

I thank you all in advance for whatever help you can give.

 

Donna

1044 Views   12 Replies   Latest reply: kevin319, Apr 16, 2012 9:00 AM
 
Replies
  • donna@nahant.com
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    1. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 3, 2012 9:02 AM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    Sorry...I forgot to give the new community news web site, which I call the Nahant, Massachusetts community online. The  address is www.nahant.com/nhev/

     

    I apologize to whoever I may offend with my ignorance with web design. I am reading text books and trying to get better. After over 17 years as an editor and publisher of a community newspaper, I am not stupid and learn fairly quickly. I had the understanding that this was the place to come to learn quickly. If I was mistaken, please don't respond and forgive my intrusion. Donna

     
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  • osgood_
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    2. osgood_,
    Jan 3, 2012 10:16 AM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    I don't suppose you'll get many responses because the question is too wide other than to say search google for css web design tutorials, for beginners.

     

    This forum is primarily meant to be of assistance to someone with a reasonable amount of css knowledge who needs a little guidance, help in putting right an area of their website that is not working correctly.

     

    What you have asked is 'How to do something before actually taking any lessons'. I would suggest that you first do some basic css tutorials then when you feel comfortable try and convert your existing web pages into something more up-to-date.

     

    A bit negative but I don't have a magic wand. Maybe someone can give you some web resources for a few starter css tutorials

     
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  • MurraySummers
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    3. MurraySummers,
    Jan 3, 2012 10:21 AM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    Donna - while I agree with osgood's comments, there may be a few suggestions that would help.  Try starting with a 2-column liquid layout in DW's Samples, and slowly adapt it to match your layout design.  Then copy and paste content over.  If you run into trouble, come back and post a link to your problem page.  That's a pretty good way to learn quickly....

     
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  • Ben Pleysier
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    4. Ben Pleysier,
    Jan 3, 2012 10:23 AM   in reply to osgood_
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    Maybe someone can give you some web resources for a few starter css tutorials

    Have a look here http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver.html

     

    Gramps

     
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  • donna@nahant.com
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    5. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 5, 2012 9:09 AM   in reply to Ben Pleysier
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    Thank you very much…I am working every day to improve. Thanks for your suggestion. It is hard, but I don’t give up! Donna Lee Hanlon

     
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  • donna@nahant.com
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    6. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 5, 2012 9:11 AM   in reply to osgood_
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    Thank you very much…I am working every day to improve. I know I need to take the time to learn, but knowing that it is possible, helps a lot. I’ve had a stagnant website I created years ago with Pagemill…since then I’ve been working with Pagemaker 7 for producing the little community newspaper. Now it is time to go on line and cease production of a physical newspaper. That’s my goal. Thanks for your suggestion. It is hard, but I don’t give up! Donna Lee Hanlon

     
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  • donna@nahant.com
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    7. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 5, 2012 9:16 AM   in reply to MurraySummers
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    Thank you very much…You have hit the nail on the head, so to speak! I have set everything up as html and did every link and type format individually. Now I have to change over to a 2 column, liquid, css layout. I am starting to figure it out…not so bad…Dreamweaver makes it pretty easy.you can check my progress, if you like. I know that you are probably very busy with you life. Thank you for taking a few moments to help a stranger. If you have time, check out what I have done so far…  http://www.nahant.com/nhev/nhev_1.html. Once I get more info from the community, I will figure out how to convert the tables to the css layout. I am working every day to improve. Thanks for your suggestion. It is hard, but I don’t give up easy! Donna Lee Hanlon

     
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  • MurraySummers
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    8. MurraySummers,
    Jan 5, 2012 10:16 AM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    That's a good start.  You will want to fix these things -

     

    * change this -

    Don Lawton. Used with permission. <div></p>

     

    to this -

    Don Lawton. Used with permission.</p>


    * change this -

    </center>

    </P>

    <div align="center"><a href="mailto:

     

    to this -

     

    </center>

    <div align="center"><a href="mailto:

     

    * change this -

    <p>

      <center>

        <b><font size="+1">Webmistress: Donna Lee Hanlon<br />

          c/o www.Nahant.com &middot; PO Box 88 &middot; Nahant, MA 01908<br />

          Copyright 2002-12</font></b>

      </center>

    </p>

     

    to this -

    <p style="text-align:center;">

        <b><font size="+1">Webmistress: Donna Lee Hanlon<br />

          c/o www.Nahant.com &middot; PO Box 88 &middot; Nahant, MA 01908<br />

          Copyright 2002-12</font></b>

    </p>

     

    And now you will have a page that contains completely valid HTML.


     
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  • Carey Burgess
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    9. Carey Burgess,
    Jan 5, 2012 12:29 PM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    When you get to it, suggest that you start here to learn tableless web page layout: http://adobe.ly/RSjjk

     

    There are more CSS resources here, which should be helpful as well: http://adobe.ly/DW_CSS

     
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  • donna@nahant.com
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    10. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 6, 2012 9:05 AM   in reply to Carey Burgess
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    Thanks! That’s my next step, now that I’ve got most of the bugs out of my html 2 column table format. I will update the pages after inserting all the new text for the blank pages that I got by email this week. Then start learning about converting. Thanks a million for taking time out of your busy day to respond…I am hard at work creating and have lots of fun. Donna Lee Hanlon at www.nahant.com

     
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  • donna@nahant.com
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    11. donna@nahant.com,
    Jan 6, 2012 9:19 AM   in reply to MurraySummers
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    Thanks a million! It is challenging, but lots of fun…and to think, I thought I would be a newspaper editor and publisher for the rest of my working days…now I am a “Webmistress.” What fun! Donna

     
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  • kevin319
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    12. kevin319,
    Apr 16, 2012 9:00 AM   in reply to donna@nahant.com
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    This is what you're looking for:  http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver/articles/table_to_css_pt1.html.

     
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